Page 29 of Icebound Attraction

She's not disappointed, not mocking. No, she's attentive and seems concerned by what I'm telling her. My heart skips a beat when I realize that I like this girl. Yeah, I really like her, actually. Crazy...

“I... I can help you if you want,” she says. “We can study together, if you like. I think it's easier for two people. Even if... If our subjects are different, eh...”

She blushes immediately after formulating her proposal. I'm standing there like an idiot, staring at her in astonishment. My first instinct is to refuse her offer and get out of there as fast as my feet will carry me, but her eyes hold me prisoner. I can't move. And I don't want to.

It's time I swallow my pride too.

Then you'd spend more time with her, smart-ass!

I silence my subconscious and nod.

“It's really nice of you to offer. Really... Your help would be invaluable, because right now I don't know where to start with my lessons.”

My anger from earlier evaporates instantly and I feel a gentle warmth burning in the pit of my stomach.

Come on, man, it's only for your studies! Cool it!

6

Emily

I just offered Liam Scott my help. Me. Emily Hansen. I've just dared to offer my help to the captain of the university hockey team, the campus hottie, and incidentally the notorious womanizer that he is. I've just thrown myself into the lion's den. But I think I'm enjoying the fangs...

I swallow when he accepts. I can hardly believe my ears.

He agreed!

I avert my eyes from his gaze, which seems to probe and read my innermost being, before clearing my throat. I try to ignore the horde of butterflies raging in my stomach.

“Great!” I exclaim, my voice almost hoarse.

“How do you want to proceed?”

“The best thing would be to exchange numbers so that we can set up a meeting... I mean, a date to study something...”

I'm still blushing. Silly girl.

Liam nods slowly. Asking for help probably isn't one of his strong points. I can tell by the look on his face when my proposal becomes more concrete.

Nevertheless, he hands me his cell phone and I type in my number.

“If you're worried about it, we can keep it between us. I won't tell anyone, I promise.”

“Thanks, Emily. It's not that I want to make a secret of it, but yeah, with my captain status... Um... It would be awkward if anyone finds out I need a hand,” he replies when I hand him back his phone.

Especially coming from the first year I am, not necessarily popular and not necessarily cool. I get it!

Liam stands up and scratches his chin.

“Well, I'll... I'll see you around... And thanks for the coffee. I'll...”

He hesitates.

“I'll see you soon!” he says simply, before running off in a huff.

This guy is weird... Is it too much shame for him to be seen with me for more than an hour? Then, you can't ignore the fact that he's already flirted with me, and it's as if at the same time he's trying to get away from me or that I'm annoying him, and so he ignores me. I think I was too nice when I offered to help him.

I pout, disappointed.

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